Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission announced a federal district court judgment against Kevin Guice, owner of an Orlando-based scam robocall operation, responsible for more than $23 million in consumer harm. (Image for Space Coast Daily)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission announced a federal district court judgment against Kevin Guice, owner of an Orlando-based scam robocall operation, responsible for more than $23 million in consumer harm.

The Orlando-based scheme bombarded consumers with a massive robocall campaign to trick consumers into paying upfront fees of $500 to $1500 for false credit card interest-rate-reduction and debt-elimination services.

In addition to imposing a $23 million judgment, the order of the Middle District of Florida permanently bans Guice from telemarketing and selling any debt-relief products or services.

Guice is also required to surrender luxury cars, watches, jet skis, rifles, bank accounts, and proceeds from the sale of a 55-foot yacht.

In June 2016, Attorney General Bondi’s Office and the FTC filed litigation alleging Guice and 19 other defendants operated an illegal robocall scheme in violation of the FTC Act, the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule and the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

The Orlando District Court judge temporarily shut down the operation in 2016. Settlements with the remaining 19 defendants are pending court approval.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office received assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Better Business Bureau and the Orlando Police Department in this action.

Consumers suspecting robocall scams or other fraudulent activity can file a complaint by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or online at MyFloridaLegal.com. Consumers currently registered with Florida’s Do Not Call Registry still receiving telemarketing calls should report the violation to the DACS at 1(800) HELP-FLA.